Having Problems with Acne?

What is Acne?

Formation of Acne

Acne is the most common skin condition affecting at least 75% of us. It usually appears on the face, and can also appear on the scalp, neck, and back.

Though there are many claims to the causes of acne, a simple explanation can be used to illustrate how it forms.

The surface of our skin is made up of pores, which are openings to follicles that host a hair and a sebaceous (oil) gland, similar to onion in the ground.

The sebaceous gland secretes sebum into the follicle (where the root of the hair is) continuously, causing the substance to rise and flow out of the pore opening along with dead cells and bacteria to form a thick glue-like substance.

Formation of skin acne. The sebum in the clogged pore promotes the growth of a certain bacteria called Propionibacterium Acnes. This leads to the redness and inflammation associated with pimples.

Propionibacterium acne, commonly known as p.acne, is the bacteria that survive within the pore, feeds on the sebum and proliferates.

When there is too much oil, p.acne and dead cells build up in the pore, and the pore becomes clogged and blocked.

A raised surface on the skin appears as a result of this plugged pore called a comedo.

As the surface of the pore is blocked and raised, and the pressure within the pore begins to rise, and the follicle expands like a balloon being filled with water, creating an enlarged pocket of thick, dirty material. Thus, a pimple erupts.

What are the Causes of Acne?

Besides the active production of sebum, acne can also be caused by hormonal changes during puberty, menses or pregnancy; certain medications or supplements like birth control pills or protein powder; genetics or maybe even stress.

When this infection occurs, we would naturally start touching it more, picking it or squeezing it. Introducing harsh or unsanitary elements to the lesion can cause adverse effects – the acne may spread to a wider area or even leave permanent scars on your face.

Acne Treatment

To treat acne, we must first understand why and how it happens. We all have hair follicles, structures in the skin which house hair. Sometimes, oil produced by the skin, also called sebum, combines with dead skin cells to clog the hair follicle. We also have a type of bacterium called P. acnes on our face most of the time.

When hair follicles get clogged, P. acnes feed on the clogged, causing inflammation and infection.

Possible solutions for the treatment of Acne:

Antibiotics

Topical applications

Isotretinoin

Extraction

There are many treatment options to treat and manage acne. Acne is not something that you have to live with. Speak to a doctor specialising in Acne to find the most suitable solution for your acne.

We provide comprehensive testing, treatment and management for Eczema and other skin conditions. Speak to our doctors today!

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